Eating out: On the food trail in Lucknow

Starve yourself before you head to this next joint. Awadh Biryani near Dainik Jagran -- a rustic and very basic place with ten or so tables crammed into the back room. But you won't regret it one bit once you order.

The Kaleji is spiced with green chilies and has a lovely bite to it. The Chicken Masala is avoidable but don't miss the Boti Kebab or the Chicken Korma which gives Karim's a run for its money!

And if you still have some tiny bit of place left in your tummy, order the Chicken Biryani. Each grain is full of flavour and the rice itself is packed with punch.

The total damage? A laughable Rs100 per head. Best to go in a big group so that you can order lots.

Eating out: On the food trail in Lucknow

The best way to appreciate something is to try different extremes and compare the contrasts. Once you're done with the street food of Lucknow, you have enough left in your budget for one extravagant meal.

Head straight to the Taj Vivanta in Gomti Nagar. The property itself is quite charming with a lovely central dome in the lobby and sprawled over gardens and swimming pools. The hotel also houses the award winning Awadh restaurant called Oudhyana.

An expansive menu to help you make your decision but what is truly recommended is to go for the Kebab Platter. With two pieces each of melting Gilauti Kebab, Silky Kakori, Chicken Tikkas marinated in turmeric and yogurt, Tandoori Chicken and Fish Kebab, the platter is good value for money.

Each preparation excels over the other and it really becomes tough to decide which order again. The damage is much more than you spent on all the above at around Rs 700 per head but it is money well spent.

So the next time you have a weekend free, book your train tickets and allow yourself to experience the Nawabi hospitality and Awadh cuisine at its best!